Villa Jhoana Resort is a budget-friendly oasis nestled in the art capital of the Philippines, Angono, Rizal. Known for its homely atmosphere and distinctive poolside water slides, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Travel Guide and Tips
To make the most of your stay, keep these practical tips in mind:
Best Time to Visit: Aim for a weekday stay if you want to enjoy the pool without the large crowds of day-tourists.
Essentials to Pack: Bring your own toiletries (including tissue and slippers) and mosquito repellent for the evening.
Room Selection: Request a room with Netflix for evening entertainment, and ask for one away from the videoke areas if you prefer a quieter environment.
Connectivity: While free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, signal strength can vary in some rooms; have a data backup if you need to work.
Nearby Attractions
You are within walking distance or a short trike ride of Angono’s famous landmarks:
Blanco Family Museum: Only 400m away, featuring a massive collection of paintings by the talented Blanco family.
SM Center Angono: A quick 1.2km trip for all your shopping, grocery, and quick-dining needs.
Angono Street Murals: Concrete relief sculptures along Doña Aurora Street depicting local legends and rural life.
Balaw Balaw Art Gallery and Restaurant: A must-visit for both its folk art and exotic local delicacies.
Angono Petroglyphs: A bit further out, but worth the trip to see the oldest known work of art in the Philippines.
Transportation Tips
From Manila: You can take a UV Express or jeepney from Starmall Edsa-Shaw or SM Megamall bound for Binangonan or Angono.
Local Travel: Tricycles are the primary mode of transport within Angono and are readily available outside the resort.
Airport Access: The resort offers an airport shuttle service for a surcharge, which is highly recommended for international travelers as the resort is roughly 16km from NAIA.
On-Site Parking: For those driving, the resort provides free self-parking.
Best For
Families with Children: The dedicated kids’ pool and water slides are a hit for younger guests.
Pet Owners: This is one of the few truly pet-friendly resorts in the area (dogs are welcome!).
Budget-Conscious Groups: With large family suites and affordable rates, it’s ideal for “barkada” trips.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Friendly and accommodating staff.
Spacious rooms and massive bathrooms (some with tubs).
Central location near museums and malls.
Pet-friendly policy.
Cons:
Pool can become very crowded with day-pass users on weekends.
Basic room amenities (you may need to request towels or extra sheets for a fee).
Potential noise from social events or nearby videoke.
Pricing Observations
Nightly rates typically range from ₱1,200 to ₱3,500 ($21–$60 USD) depending on the room type and season.
Check-in Deposit: Be prepared to pay a refundable cash deposit (around ₱500) upon arrival.
Food Costs: Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for approximately ₱100–₱250.
Value: It is consistently rated as an “excellent value for money” destination by local travelers.
Local Food and Tourism Tips
Must-Try Dish: Don’t leave without trying Kumanoy, a local kakanin made from coconut milk and ground rice.
Exotic Eats: Visit Balaw Balaw for the “Minaluto” (a giant bamboo tray of seafood and meats) or, if you’re brave, their “Sizzling Kabayo” (horse meat).
Viewpoints: Head to “Kape-hingahan” for coffee with a panoramic view of the city lights.
First Person Review
“I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the staff here—they really make you feel like part of the family. The room we stayed in was much larger than expected for the price, and having a separate urinal in the massive bathroom was a thoughtful touch for a group of guys. While the pool was a bit busy during the day, lounging by the slides at sunset with the kids was the highlight of our weekend. It’s not a five-star luxury hotel, but for a cozy, budget-friendly art crawl in Angono, it’s exactly what we needed.”